CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF Basketball OFFICIALS FIBA RULE CASEBOOK created and updated by Paul Deshaies CABO National Interpreter with the co-operation of Bill Denney BC Provincial interpreter and Seward Neilsen, NB Provincial Interpreter The purpose of this document is to help officials understand how the FIBA rules apply in actual game situations. It is made available on-line and is updated on a regular basis. If, after reading parts of this document, uncertainties persist regarding the application of the rules, please contact your local or provincial interpreter, or the national interpreter for clarification. c:\documents and settings\steve\my documents\00 steve's work\referees\2010 rule changes\canadian basketball officials 2011 casebook.doc Page 1 of 40
On your behalf I would like to thank the Canadian Association of Basketball Officials for the work they have done in preparing this Casebook on the FIBA Rules. The FIBA Technical Commission which continually monitors international basketball rules, and from time to time makes recommendations for changes, does not formally endorse this Casebook. Nor does it produce an alternative. At various times the FIBA Technical Commission does issue Interpretations to add to the information and add some clarity to the information in the Rulebook, Equipment Manual and Manuals for Two and Three Person Officiating. These Interpretations can be found on the FIBA website www.fiba.com under the Inside FIBA menu. I am happy to recommend this publication to any official wanting to improve their understanding of the FIBA Rules and improve their ability to deal with the many diverse situations they might face when they have the whistle in their mouth. Nevertheless, it needs to be read with some caution. It is written primarily for a Canadian audience where many other sets of rules besides FIBA rules as used in various competitions. There are some questions and some situations which have been written, very obviously, with local conditions in mind, so not everything in the book is a FIBA rule. Some examples can be found at Article 4.3, Article 36.6 and Article 37.2. There may be others. In this reformat of the publication meters have been changed to metres favor has been changed to favour to try to make the reading more familiar to Oceania eyes. You would help us, and your colleagues if you pointed out any errors you detect in the creation of this document. Again, I acknowledge the generous efforts of the Canadian Association of Basketball Officials (CABO), whose ownership is indicated on the footer of each page. The original CABO publication can be downloaded from http://www.cabocanada.org Steve Smith Secretary General FIBA Oceania info@fibaoceania.com Page 2 of 40
Contents ARTICLE 1 Definitions... 5 ARTICLE 2 Court... 5 ARTICLE 4 Teams... 5 ARTICLE 5 Players: Injury... 6 ARTICLE 6 Captains: Duties and powers... 6 ARTICLE 7 Coaches: Duties and powers... 6 ARTICLE 8 Playing time, tied score and extra periods... 7 ARTICLE 9 Beginning and end of a period or the game... 7 ARTICLE 10 Status of the ball... 7 ARTICLE 11 Location of a player and an official... 9 ARTICLE 12 Jump ball and alternating position... 9 ARTICLE 13 How the ball is played... 11 ARTICLE 14 Control of the ball... 11 ARTICLE 15 Player in the act of shooting... 11 ARTICLE 16 Goal: When made and its value... 12 ARTICLE 17 Throw-in... 12 ARTICLE 18 Time-out... 15 ARTICLE 19 Substitution... 16 ARTICLE 20 Game lost by forfeit... 19 ARTICLE 21 Game lost by default... 19 ARTICLE 22 Violations... 19 ARTICLE 23 Player out-of-bounds and ball out-of-bounds... 19 ARTICLE 24 Dribbling... 20 ARTICLE 25 Travelling... 20 ARTICLE 26 Three seconds... 21 ARTICLE 27 Closely guarded player... 22 ARTICLE 28 Eight seconds... 22 ARTICLE 29 Twenty-four seconds... 24 ARTICLE 30 Ball returned to the backcourt... 26 Page 3 of 40
ARTICLE 31 Goal tending and interference... 27 ARTICLE 32 Fouls... 28 ARTICLE 33 Contact: General principles... 29 ARTICLE 34 Personal foul... 29 ARTICLE 35 Double foul... 30 ARTICLE 36 Unsportsmanlike foul... 30 ARTICLE 37 Disqualifying foul... 31 ARTICLE 38 Technical foul... 31 ARTICLE 39 Fighting... 33 ARTICLE 40 Five fouls by a player... 33 ARTICLE 41 Team fouls: Penalty... 33 ARTICLE 42 Special situations... 34 ARTICLE 43 Free throws... 35 ARTICLE 44 Correctable errors... 36 ARTICLE 45 Officials, table officials and commissioner... 37 ARTICLE 46 Referee: Duties and powers... 37 ARTICLE 47 Officials: Duties and powers... 37 ARTICLE 48 Scorer and assistant scorer: Duties... 37 ARTICLE 49 Timer: Duties... 38 ARTICLE 50 Twenty-four second operator: Duties... 38 Page 4 of 40
ARTICLE 1 Definitions 1-1 Which basket is a team's own basket? The basket which a team defends is its own basket. The basket which a team attacks is the opponent's basket. ARTICLE 2 Court 2-1 Is the 3-point line part of the 3-point area? No. 2-2 Is the mid-court line part of the backcourt?. 2-3 Are the no-charge semi-circle lines part of the no-charge semi-circle areas? No. In order to be in the no-charge semi-circle area, a player must have both feet completely inside the area without touching the line. ARTICLE 4 Teams 4-1 A1 is wearing a metal splint on his finger. The splint is completely covered with soft padding. The official decides that wearing such equipment is illegal. Is the official correct? 4-2 May a player play with an artificial lower arm limb made of hard plastic? The rule does not permit any hard object worn on the hand, wrist or forearm, even if covered with soft padding. Article 4.4.2 states: The following are not permitted: Finger, hand, wrist, elbow or forearm guards, casts or braces made of leather, plastic, pliable (soft) plastic, metal or any other hard substance, even if covered with soft padding. By extension, a whole lower arm made of hard material should not be permitted. If an organization wishes to let a person play with an artificial limb on the lower arm, they do so at their own risk. Should an injury occur to another player while a rule has not been applied, potential lawsuits may result. If they are willing to run that risk, obviously soft padding and covered sharp edges would strongly be indicated. 4-3 Is it permissible for a player to wear a T-shirt, compression sleeves, a compression undershirt with long sleeves, or an undergarment with short or long legs? The FIBA rules do not allow a player to wear a T-shirt under the game jersey. However, in Canada, since that in certain instances, the players' uniforms do not always fit properly, wearing a T-shirt is allowed at levels of play up to senior high school. Wearing a T-shirt under the game jersey is not allowed at levels higher than senior high school. Concerning compression garments, here is what the rule says: The following are permitted: Page 5 of 40
Undergarments that extend below the shorts of the same dominant colour as the shorts. Compression sleeves of the same dominant colour as the shirts. Therefore, an undergarment under the shorts is allowed as long as it is the same colour as the shorts. Since compression sleeves are allowed, by extension in Canada, we allow a compression undershirt with long sleeves as long as it is the same colour as the jersey. ARTICLE 5 Players: Injury 5-1 Play is interrupted because of an injury to A1 who is not able to play immediately. Team B is granted a time out. After the time out, A1 is ready to play. Shall A1 be allowed to play at this time?. An injured player who has recovered during a time-out taken by either team may continue to play. 5-2 A5 is injured. A10 enters the game to replace A5. Team A takes a time out. After the signal has sounded to end the time out, A5 has recovered and requests permission to immediately return as a player. Shall A5 s request be granted? No. If a player has been substituted, that player cannot re-enter the game until the ball becomes dead again, after a clock-running phase of the game. ARTICLE 6 Captains: Duties and powers 6-1 A1 is assessed a technical foul. Shall the captain of team B designate the player to attempt the free throws? No. The free-throw shooter shall be any player on the court or entering substitute designated by Coach B. 6-2 Whose responsibility is it to inform the referee if his team is protesting against the result of the game? It is the captain's responsibility. Immediately at the end of the game, the captain shall inform the referee and sign the scoresheet in the space marked Captain's signature in case of a protest. 6-3 If the captain designated on the scoresheet leaves the game, shall there be another player on the floor acting as the team captain?. The playing captain shall be designated by the Coach. ARTICLE 7 Coaches: Duties and powers 7-1 While play is in progress, may Assistant Coach A remain standing if Head Coach A is sitting on the team bench? No. Only the Head Coach may remain standing while play is in progress. 7-2 By rule, should the home team (Team A) coach be the first to confirm his list of players and the five players identified to start the game? 7-3 A5's number is incorrectly recorded on the scoresheet. The error is discovered (a) just before the start of the game, (b) after the game has started. Should a technical foul be assessed to Coach A? Page 6 of 40
No in (a) and (b). The correct number should be recorded without penalty. 7-4 If a player coach commits a 5th foul and must leave the game, may he continue to act as the coach of his team?. 7-5 Player-coach A1 commits a second unsportsmanlike foul in the game and is disqualified. May he remain in his team bench area and continue to act as the coach of his team? No. He must go to the locker room or leave the building. He shall be replaced as a coach by his assistant, and if there is no assistant coach, by his team captain. ARTICLE 8 Playing time, tied score and extra periods 8-1 On the jump ball at the beginning of the first period, does the interval of play end when the ball is legally tapped by a jumper? No. The interval of play ends when the ball is tossed by the referee. 8-2 At the beginning of the game, the referee enters the circle to administer the jump ball between jumpers A1 and B1. (a) Before the ball is tossed by the referee, (b) after the ball is tossed, but before it is legally tapped, (c) after the ball is legally tapped, B2 pushes A2. The official charges B2 with a personal foul. Is this correct? No in (a). in (b) and (c). In (a), the foul is committed during the interval of play. All fouls during an interval of play are technical fouls. In (b) and (c), the interval of play has ended. Therefore, the fouls occur during playing time and are personal fouls. ARTICLE 9 Beginning and end of a period or the game 9-1 When does the game begin? The game begins when the ball becomes live and the interval of play ends, that is when the ball is tossed by the referee on the jump ball. 9-2 When does the interval of play end at the beginning of the periods other than the first? When the ball is at the disposal of the player making the throw-in to start the period. 9-3 Team A has seven players listed on the scoresheet but only four of them are present at the time the game is scheduled to begin. Coach A tells the referee that the missing players are about to arrive. Can the game begin before the team has five players present and ready to play? No. The game cannot begin if one of the teams is not on the playing court with five players ready to play. 9-4 If an extra period is necessary, shall the teams attack the same baskets as they were in the second half?. Extra periods are deemed to be a continuation of the fourth period. ARTICLE 10 Status of the ball Page 7 of 40
10-1 A4 releases a try for goal. The 24-second signal sounds after which B4 deflects the ball while it is still in its upward flight. Does the ball become dead immediately?. 10-2 Following a try by A4, the ball is bouncing above the rim when A5 commits a foul. The ball then enters the basket. Shall the goal count?. The ball does not become dead and the goal counts when the ball is in flight on a shot for a field goal and an official blows his whistle. No player shall touch the ball after it has touched the ring while it still has the possibility of entering the basket 10-3 While A1 is in the act of shooting, A2 and B2 commit a double foul. Then, A1, in a continuous motion, releases the try for goal and the ball enters the basket. Shall the basket count? No. (See also Article 16) 10-4 Does the ball always become dead when the 24-second signal sounds? No. The ball does not become dead and the goal counts if made, when the ball is in flight on a shot for a field goal and the twenty-four (24) second clock signal sounds. 10-5 Near the end of a period, A1 attempts a try for goal. A1 releases the ball and the signal sounds to end the period after which B1 legally deflects the ball on its upward flight. The ball then enters the basket. Shall the basket count? No. The ball becomes dead when the ball in flight on a shot for a field goal is touched by a player from either team after the game clock signal sounds for the end of the period. 10-6 A1 releases the ball on a try for goal. The 24-second signal sounds and then B1 touches the ball while it is still in its upward flight. The ball then enters the basket. The official disallows the basket and announces a 24-second violation. Is the official correct?. The ball becomes dead when the ball in flight on a shot for a field goal is touched by a player from either team after the twenty-four (24) second clock signal sounds. 10-7 Near the end of a period, B4 fouls A4 while A4 is attempting a 2-point try. The horn sounds to end the period. After the horn sounds, A4 releases the ball in a continuous motion and the ball enters the basket. Is the official correct in cancelling the basket and awarding A4 two free throws?. The ball became dead because the signal sounded before the ball was in flight. Therefore, the basket cannot count. However, A4 was fouled in the act of shooting and shall be awarded two free throws to be attempted right away after the end of the period. 10-8 On the initial jump ball, does the ball become live as soon as the official enters the circle to administer the jump ball? No. The ball becomes live when tossed by the referee. Page 8 of 40
10-9 Team A is awarded a throw-in. The ball is handed to thrower-in A1. Is the ball live at this time?. On a throw-in the ball becomes live when it is put at the disposal of the thrower-in. 10-10 The 24- second period expires and the signal sounds with Team-A in control of the ball. Does the ball become dead immediately?. ARTICLE 11 Location of a player and an official 11-1 An errant pass from A1 in Team A's frontcourt is about to go into Team A'S backcourt when A2 jumps from the frontcourt, deflects the ball back toward the frontcourt and after releasing the ball while still airborne, lands into Team A's backcourt. The ball bounces once in team A's frontcourt and is caught by A3. Is this a legal play?. An airborne player retains the same status he had when he last touched the floor. Although A2 ended up landing in Team A's backcourt, having jumped from Team A's frontcourt, he was still in the frontcourt when he deflected the ball back. Thus, the ball was never returned to the backcourt. 11-2 A pass by A1 from Team A's backcourt touches an official who is straddling the centre line. Has the ball achieved frontcourt status?. (See also case 28-11) ARTICLE 12 Jump ball and alternating position 12-1 The possession arrow favours Team A. Before the beginning of the first overtime period, Coach A is assessed a technical foul. Shall play resumes with a throw-in by Team A after completing the free throw activity? No. The overtime will start with two free throws awarded to Team B followed by a throw-in at mid-court by Team B. 12-2 A4 and B4 both have a strong grip on the ball. While attempting to pull the ball from B4, A4 touches a sideline. The possession arrow favours Team A. Shall Team B be awarded a throw-in because of an out-of-bounds violation by A4? No. When two opponents have a firm grip on the ball such as neither of them can gain control without undue roughness, this is a jump ball situation. If one of the players touches a boundary line or the out-of-bounds, or moves his feet while attempting to gain control of the ball, the jump ball shall be called instead of a violation on one of the players. (See also case 12-8) 12-3 At the beginning of the game, jumper A1 taps the ball directly out of bounds and Team B is awarded a throw in. On the throw-in by B2, A2 is the first player to gain possession of the live ball on the playing surface. Shall the possession arrow now favour Team B?. The team that does not gain control of the live ball on the playing court after the jump ball will be entitled to the first alternating possession. Page 9 of 40
12-4 On the initial jump ball, jumper A1 taps the ball directly out of bounds. While B1 has the ball out of bounds for the throw-in, A2 commits an unsportsmanlike foul on B2. After B2's free throws, the throw-in by B4 is first controlled on the playing court by A3. Shall Team A benefit from the next alternating possession?. Team B was the first to gain control of a live ball on the playing court when B2 attempted the first free throw. 12-5 During the initial jump ball between A1 and B1, the ball is legally tapped and is simultaneously controlled by A5 and B5, creating a held ball situation. Shall the official hold a new jump ball involving the same initial jumpers, A1 and B1? No. A5 and B5 will be the jumpers for the new jump ball at the centre circle. 12-6 As the horn sounds to end the first period, B1 commits an unsportsmanlike foul on A1. The possession arrow favours Team B. Shall the second period begin with a Team B throw-in according to the alternating possession process? No. The period will start with the administration of a Team A throw-in as part of the penalty for the unsportsmanlike foul. The possession arrow will remain in favour of Team B. 12-7 During an alternating possession throw-in by A1, A1 throws the ball so it lodges directly between the ring and the backboard. As a result, shall Team B be awarded an alternating-possession throw-in?. The alternating possession throw-in ends and a new jump ball situation occurs when the ball lodges between the ring and the backboard. Thus, Team A has completed its alternating possession throw-in and the arrow now favours Team B. Team B gets the throw-in because of the new jump ball situation. 12-8 A1 and B1 both have a firm grip on the ball. In an attempt to gain sole control of the ball, A1 moves both feet. Is the official correct in calling a jump ball?. When two opponents have a firm grip on the ball such as neither of them can gain control without undue roughness, this is a jump ball situation. If one of the players touches a boundary line or the out-of-bounds, or moves his feet while attempting to gain control of the ball, the jump ball shall be called instead of a violation on one of the players. (See also case 12-2) 12-9 During an alternating possession throw-in by Team A, A1 is assessed a foul for an illegal screen. Shall Team A lose its right to the alternating possession? No. If a foul is committed by either team during an alternating possession throw-in, the team making the throw-in does not lose its right to the next possession. 12-10 Team A is awarded an alternating possession throw-in. Thrower-in A1 violates on the throw in. The official instructs the table official to change the direction of the possession arrow to favour Team B. Team B completes the throw-in. Shall the alternating possession arrow now favour Team A? No. Team A lost the benefit of the arrow when they violated. The next possession arrow shall be in favour of Team B. Page 10 of 40
12-11 With 15 seconds on the 24-second device, A5 attempts a field goal. The ball lodges between the backboard and the rim. The possession arrow favours Team B. The official instructs the 24 second operator to reset the clock. Is the official correct?. This is a new control for Team B. ARTICLE 13 How the ball is played 13-1 A pass by A1 is deflected by B1 with a fist. Is this legal? No. A player shall not run with the ball, deliberately kick or block it with any part of the leg or strike it with the fist. 13-2 During a rebounding situation, A1 deliberately hits the ball toward A2 with his forehead. Is this legal? No. The ball is played with the hand(s) only. 13-3 A1 deliberately blocks a pass from B1 to B2 with his thigh. Is this legal? No. A player shall not run with the ball, deliberately kick or block it with any part of the leg or strike it with the fist. 13-4 A1 has ended a dribble. He rolls the ball on the floor toward A2 who catches the ball. Is this legal?. The ball may be passed, thrown, tapped, rolled or dribbled in any direction. ARTICLE 14 Control of the ball 14-1 Airborne shooter A1 releases the ball, lands on one foot, and charges into B1 who is in legal position. Is this a team control foul? No. Team control ended when the ball was released on the try for goal. 14-2 Do team control and the act of shooting both ALWAYS end at the same time? No. On a try for goal, team control ends when the ball leaves the hands of the player attempting the try. If the shooter is airborne, the act of shooting only ends when the shooter returns on the floor with both feet. 14-3 While A3 has the ball out of bounds for a throw-in, A4 fouls B4. This is Team A s fifth foul of the period. The official awards B4 two free throws. Is this correct? No. The foul committed by A4 is a team control foul. (See also Article 41) 14-4 Is it possible for a team to be in control of the ball while the game clock is stopped?. There is team control during a throw-in and during a free throw. ARTICLE 15 Player in the act of shooting 15-1 A1 jumps to attempt a try for goal. A1 releases the ball, returns to the floor with one foot and is then fouled by B1. Was the foul committed during the act of shooting?. An airborne player who is attempting a try for goal remains in the act of shooting until he returns to the floor with both feet. Page 11 of 40
ARTICLE 16 Goal: When made and its value 16-1 On a final free throw by A4, after the ball has struck the ring, defensive player B4 accidentally tips the ball into the basket, while attempting to clear the rebound. The official counts the free throw and credits A4 with one point. Is this correct? No, The free throw ends when the ball hits the rim. Two points are credited to the captain of Team A. 16-2 While there is no team control, A5 inadvertently causes the ball to go through the basket from below. Are the officials correct to award the ball for a throw-in to the team next entitled to the ball according to the alternating possession procedure? No. Causing the ball to through the basket from below is a violation. A throwin is awarded to Team B. 16-3 Team A is awarded a throw-in with 0:00.2 displayed on the game clock. Thrower-in A2 passes the ball to airborne player A4, who directly dunks the ball into the basket. Are the officials correct in counting the basket?. If the game clock indicates 0:00.2 or 0:00.1, the only type of a valid field goal made is by tapping or directly dunking the ball. 16-4 While A1 is in the act of shooting, A2 and B2 commit a double foul. A1, in a continuous motion, releases the try for goal and the ball enters the basket. Shall the basket count? No. If an infraction is committed by a teammate of a player in the act of shooting, but before the ball is released, the ball becomes dead immediately and no points can be scored. (See also Article 10) 16-5 While the ball is within the basket as a result of a try for goal by A1, A2 touches the rim. The ball goes through the basket. Should the basket count? 16-6 A1 attempts a 3-point field goal. B4 leaps from the 2-point field goal area and deflects the ball while in its upward flight. The ball enters the basket. Shall A1 be credited with 3 points? No. The touching of the ball by B4 in the 2-point area causes the shot for a goal to become a 2-point attempt. The value of a field goal shall be determined by the location where the ball was last touched by a player before entering the basket (FIBA interpretation). ARTICLE 17 Throw-in 17-1 In the final 2 minutes of the game, A1 is called for a travelling violation as he attempts a lay-up. Coach A requests and is granted a time-out. After the time out, shall the throw-in take place at the throw-in line in Team B's frontcourt? No. Only the team awarded with a throw-in in their backcourt and taking a time-out would be entitled to a throw-in at the throw-in line in their frontcourt. In this case, Team B is entitled a backcourt throw-in, but it is Team A which took a time-out. Page 12 of 40
17-2 During his 2-point field goal attempt, A1 is fouled by B1. The foul by B1 is ruled unsportsmanlike. A1 s try is unsuccessful. Should the official award A1 two free throws followed by a Team A throw-in at the point nearest to where the foul occurred? No. After the free throws awarded for an unsportsmanlike foul, the throw-in takes place at the mid-court line extended, opposite the table. 17-3 After Team A has scored a field goal, no Team B player moves to get the ball for a throw-in, intentionally delaying returning the ball into play. Should the official place the ball on the floor outside Team B s end line and begin a 5- second count?. 17-4 With 1:39 remaining in the extra period, Team B commits a travelling violation in their frontcourt. Team A is awarded a throw-in in their backcourt and then is granted a time-out. Shall the resulting throw-in be taken at the mid-court line extended, opposite the scorer s table? No. Under the circumstances described, the throw-in takes place at the throw-in line in the frontcourt. 17-5 On a throw-in by A4, A4 hands the ball to A5 who is on the playing court. Is this a violation?. The thrower-in must pass the ball directly onto the playing court. 17-6 Shall the 24-second device be reset when a throw-in directly hits the rim? No. (FIBA Interpretations, Statement 6) 17-7 With 1:24 to play in the 4th period, after catching a defensive rebound, B1 commits a travelling violation near the endline in Team B s backcourt. Team A is granted a time-out. Shall the Team A throw-in take place at the throw-in line in Team A s frontcourt? No. Team A is not awarded a backcourt throw-in, but a frontcourt throw-in. 17-8 With less than 2 minutes to play in the 4th period, B5 commits an unsportsmanlike foul on A5 who is dribbling in his backcourt. Team A is granted a time-out. After the free throws, shall the throw-in take place at the mid-court line extended?. If there is no other penalty to be administered after the free throws awarded for a technical, unsportsmanlike or disqualifying foul, the throw-in shall take place at the mid-court line extended, regardless of the time of the game or of the fact that a time-out was taken or not. (See also case 29-8) 17-9 A1 has the ball for a throw-in. A1 reaches across the plane of the boundary with the ball and B1 taps the ball out of A1's hands. Is B1's action legal? No. B1 is delaying the resumption of play and should be warned not to repeat this action for which he may be called a technical foul if there is a reoccurrence. (See also case 17-13) 17-10 During his throw-in, A1 moves laterally one small step in one direction along the boundary line and returns to the original spot. A1 s movements cover a total distance of less than 1 metre. Has A1 committed a violation because he moved in more than one direction? Page 13 of 40
No. The player taking the throw-in may move in one or both directions along the boundary line within a total distance of one metre before releasing the ball. 17-11 A1 scores a basket. B1 takes the ball out of bounds for the throw-in. B1 bounces the ball out of bounds to B2 who is also standing out of bounds behind the end line. B2 then passes the ball onto the court to B3. Is this play legal?, as long as the process is completed within 5 seconds. 17-12 Following the free throws awarded to A1 for an unsportsmanlike foul committed by B1, A2 has the ball out of bounds, straddling the mid-court line for a throw-in. A2 releases the ball onto the court. The ball goes directly out of bounds on the end line in Team A's frontcourt, without touching anyone on the court. Shall the officials award Team B a throw-in at the place of the original throw-in and shall Team B be entitled to throw the ball in either their frontcourt or backcourt?. 17-13 A1 has the ball for a throw-in. A1 reaches across the plane of the boundary with the ball and B1 grasps the ball so that now both A1 and B1 have a firm grip on the ball. Is this a jump ball situation? No. B1 has committed a violation for interfering with the throw-in. (See also case 17-9) 17-14 During a sideline throw-in from the backcourt near the division line, A4 takes one step towards the frontcourt and releases the throw-in pass to A5 in the backcourt. When A4 released the ball, he was in the frontcourt area. Is this a backcourt violation? No. (See also Article 30) 17-15 With 1:35 to play in the 4th period, in attempting a lay-up, A1 charges into B1 before releasing the ball. A1 then releases the ball and the ball enters the basket. The official calls a team control foul on A1 and disallows the basket. Team B is granted a time-out. When play resumes, shall the throw-in take place at the free throw line extended? No. The throw-in will take place at the throw-in line in Team B's frontcourt. 17-16 During an end line throw-in, B4 throws the ball over the backboard from behind. Has B4 committed a violation? No. 17-17 While dribbling in the lane toward the basket, A1 is fouled by B1 just before starting the act of shooting. A1 continues his movement, releases the ball which enters the basket. The official disallows the basket and awards Team A a throw-in. Should Team A's throw-in take place at the free throw line extended? No. Article 17.2.6 which says: Whenever the ball enters the basket but the field goal or the free throw is not valid, the subsequent throw-in shall be taken at the free-throw line extended., applies to a cancellation caused by an infraction by the offence for which the defence is entitled a throw-in in their backcourt. Page 14 of 40
ARTICLE 18 Time-out 18-1 A1 commits an unsportsmanlike foul on B1. B1 misses both free throws. Before the ball is put at the disposal of a Team B player for the throw-in, Coach A requests a time-out.? Shall the request be granted at this time?. A time-out opportunity ends when the ball is at the disposal of a player for a throw-in. 18-2 Shall each team be entitled to only one time-out in each of the first three periods? No. Each team is entitles to two time-outs in the first half and to three timeouts in the second half. 18-3 With the score tied near the end of the 4th period, A3 is fouled and the signal sounds to end the period immediately after the whistle. This is Team B s 5th foul in the period. A3 is awarded two free throws. Coach B requests a time-out. Shall the request be granted? No. The period has ended and a time-out may not be granted during an interval of play. The free throws shall be attempted immediately. If one or both free throws are successful, the game has ended. If neither free throw is successful, there shall be an extra period. 18-4 Team A scores a basket. Before the ball is at the disposal of Team B for the throw-in, Coach A requests a time-out. Shall the time-out be granted? No. After a basket is scored, only the team that was scored upon has a timeout opportunity. 18-5 Team A is granted a time-out. After 25 seconds into the time-out, Team A is ready to play. Shall play resume immediately? No. A time-out lasts 60 seconds. Players shall not come away from the team bench area until the horn sounds after 50 seconds. 18-6 A3 commits an interference violation. Coach A now requests a time-out. Shall the time-out be granted?. A time-out opportunity begins for both teams when the ball becomes dead and the game clock is stopped. There is one exception to this general principle: in the last 2 minutes of the 4th period or overtime, even though the ball is dead and the game clock is stopped, the team that scores a basket does not benefit from an opportunity for a time-out. 18-7 With 1:28 remaining in the last period, A4 scores a field goal. The ball, after passing through the net, strikes a player s foot and rolls to the opposite end of the court. The official sounds his whistle and goes to retrieve the ball. Team A requests a time out. Shall the request be granted?. Even if Team A was the scoring team, the official stopped the game and the non-scoring team could not benefit from the opportunity to quickly put the ball in play after the basket. 18-8 A1 is awarded one free throw. After the ball is placed at the disposal of A1, Team A requests a time out. A1 s free throw is successful. Shall Team A be granted the time out at this time?. A time-out opportunity begins for both teams after a successful last or only free throw. Page 15 of 40
18-9 The assistant coach of Team B addresses the scorer and requests a time-out. At the next opportunity, shall the time-out be granted?. Both the head and assistant coaches may approach the scorer to request a time-out. 18-10 A5 is successful on his last free throw. After the ball is at the disposal of B1 for the throw-in, Coach B requests a time-out. Shall the time-out be granted at this time? No. The time-out opportunity ends when the ball is at the disposal of the thrower-in. 18-11 B1 commits an unsportsmanlike foul on A1. A1 is awarded 2 free throws to be followed by a throw-in by Team A at mid-court, opposite the table. After the first free throw, Coach B requests a time-out. A1 s last free throw is unsuccessful. Shall the time-out to Team B be granted after the last free throw missed by A1?. 18-12 A1 is awarded 2 free throws. Between A1 s free throws, Coach A requests a time-out. During A1 s last free throw, B1 enters the lane too soon. A1 s free throw is missed. The official calls the violation by B1 and awards A1 a replacement free throw. Shall the time-out be granted before the replacement free throw is attempted? No. Once the administration a set of free throws has started, time-outs may not be granted until that set is completed. 18-13 With 1:27 left in the 4th period, A4 scores a field goal. B10 requests and is granted a substitution. Coach A then requests a time-out. Shall the request be granted at this time?. The official has interrupted the play, the ball is dead and the game clock stopped. 18-14 Team A Coach requests a time out. Later Team B Coach also requests a time out. Team A scores a field goal. Since Team A s request was made first, would Team A be granted the time out? No. After basket is scored, only the non-scoring team has the benefit of a time-out opportunity. 18-15 May a player coach address a request for a time out directly to one of the floor officials? No. Requests for time-outs must be addressed to the scorer. ARTICLE 19 Substitution 19-1 Before A1 s final free throw, A10 reports to the table and requests to replace A3. A1 s free throw is successful. Shall the substitution be permitted? 19-2 Team A scores a field goal with 1:36 left in the 4th period. A10 requests that he be permitted to replace A1 at this time. Shall the substitution be granted? No. In the last 2 minutes of the 4th period or overtime, when a basket is scored only the non-scoring team benefits from a substitution opportunity. If Page 16 of 40
that team substitutes or takes a time-out, the other team may then substitute. 19-3 B10 is waiting to substitute for free throw shooter B4. B4 violates during the last attempt. May B10 now enter the game for B4? 19-4 A10 has requested to replace A4 if A4 s last free throw is successful. Before the last free throw, B10 and B11 request to replace B4 and B5 if the last free throw by A4 is successful. A4 is successful on his last free throw. Shall A10, B10 and B11 be allowed to substitute at this time? 19-5 With 1:58 to play in the game, Team A scores and the game clock is stopped. Substitute B10, who has reported to the scorer s table, wishes to substitute. Should B10 be allowed to enter the game at this time? 19-6 After 50 seconds have elapsed in a charged time-out, the timekeeper sounds the warning horn. Ten seconds later, the timekeeper sounds the horn to indicate the end of the time-out. B-10 then reports to replace B4. Shall B10 be allowed to enter the game?. An opportunity for a substitution ends when the ball is at the disposal of a player for a throw-in or a free throw. 19-7 On B4 s final free throw, A5 violates. The free throw is unsuccessful. May B10 substitute for B5 at this time? No. Once the administration of a set of free throws has started, it must be completed before substitutions may be granted. 19-8 With 1:52 remaining in the 2nd period, B6 reports to the scorer as a substitute. Team A then scores a field goal. Shall B6 now be permitted to enter the game? No. Only in the last 2 minutes of the 4th period or overtime may the nonscoring team substitute after a basket is scored. 19-9 B5 fouls A5 during an unsuccessful try for goal. It is then discovered that A5 is participating as a sixth player for Team A. A5 must leave the game. The official rules that the free throws resulting from the B5 foul shall be attempted by any Team A player on the playing court at the time of the foul, as designated by Coach A. Is the official correct? 19-10 Technical fouls are committed by A2 and then by coach A. May either team substitute following the completion of the penalty for the foul by A2? 19-11 On the opening jump ball, B1 violates after the toss but before the ball is tapped; may either team substitute at this time? No. A substitution cannot be granted before the playing time for the first period has started (FIBA Interpretations, Statement 1) Page 17 of 40
19-12 A5 is awarded 2 free throws. While the ball is dead following the first free throw, A1 is assessed a technical foul. Substitute A10 now requests to enter the game to replace A1. Shall A10 be permitted to enter the game immediately? No. The administration of the free throws by A5 must be completed before substitutions may be permitted. 19-13 Coach A goes to the Scorer and requests that A10 substitute for A1. Is this an appropriate substitution request? No. Only a substitute has the right to request a substitution. 19-14 A substitution opportunity has ended when A10 runs to the scorer requesting a substitution. The scorer reacts erroneously and the horn sounds. The official blows his whistle and interrupts the game. Shall the substitution be granted? No. The request was made too late and should not be granted. 19-15 A1 is injured and receives treatment. A10 substitutes for A1. Team A is granted a time-out. At the end of the time-out, A1 has recovered and is ready to play. A1 requests that he be allowed to re-enter the game. The official does not allow A1 to re-enter the game at this time. Is the official correct?. Once an injured player has been substituted, he may not re-enter the game until the ball becomes dead again, after a clock-running phase of the game 19-16 A10 substitutes for A5. On the ensuing throw in, Team A commits a 5- second throw-in violation. May A5 re enter the game at this time? No. A player who has become a substitute and a substitute who has become a player cannot respectively re enter the game or leave the game until the ball becomes dead again, after a clock-running phase of the game 19-17 With 1:50 remaining in the 4th period, A4 scores a basket. Substitutes A10 and B10, having reported to the scorer s table, are waiting to enter the game. Is the official correct in allowing both A10 and B10 into the game at this time?. In the last 2 minutes of the 4th period or extra period, a scored basket creates a substitution opportunity for the non-scoring team. If the nonscoring team substitutes, the other team may also substitute. 19-18 A technical foul has been assessed to Coach B. A10 comes into the game, substituting for A1. A10 is designated to attempt the free throws. After the free throws, but before the ball is in play for the throw-in at mid-court, A11 requests to replace A10. Should this substitution be granted? No. (See also case 19-15) 19-19 A1 commits his 5th player foul. In the judgment of the official, there is an unreasonable delay in replacing A1. Team A has one time out left in the half. Shall a technical foul be charged to the coach of Team A for delay of game? No. If, in the judgement of an official, there is an unreasonable delay in replacing a disqualified player, a time-out shall be charged against the offending team. If the team has no time-out remaining, a technical foul for delaying the game may be charged against the coach, recorded as 'B'. 19-20 During a time-out, A10 reports to the scorer to substitute and then returns directly to the huddle. When play resumes, A10 comes directly onto the court as one of the five players. Is this substitution procedure legal? Page 18 of 40
. If a substitution is requested during a time-out or during an interval of play other than the half-time interval, the substitute must report to the scorer before entering the game. ARTICLE 20 Game lost by forfeit 20-1 When does a team lose by forfeit? A team loses by forfeit if: Fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled starting time, the team is not present or is unable to field five (5) players ready to play. Its actions prevent the game from being played. It refuses to play after being instructed to do so by the referee. 20-2 What is the penalty for a game lost by forfeit? The game is awarded to the opponents and the score recorded is 20-0. ARTICLE 21 Game lost by default 21-1 If, in the judgment of the officials, a team still has an opportunity to win the game, shall this team be allowed to continue playing with only one player? No. A team shall lose by default if, during the game, the team has fewer than two players on the playing court ready to play. If the team to which the game is awarded is ahead, the score shall stand as at the time when the game was stopped. If the team to which the game is awarded is not ahead, the score shall be recorded as two to zero (2 to 0) in its favour. ARTICLE 22 Violations 22-1 A2 is holding the ball in Team A s frontcourt near the centre line when a 3- second violation is committed by A4. Shall the resulting throw-in be administered at the place nearest to where A2 was standing when the violation occurred? No. The ball shall be awarded to the opponents for a throw-in at the place nearest to the infraction, except directly behind the backboard, unless otherwise stated in the rules. ARTICLE 23 Player out-of-bounds and ball out-of-bounds 23-1 A4 is dribbling the ball near a sideline. A4 loses his balance and steps out of bounds without touching the ball. A4 returns to the court and continues his dribble. Is this legal?. In order to be out of bounds, the ball has to touch the floor out of bounds, a player or any other person who is out of bounds or any object on, above or outside the boundary line. A4 did not touch the ball while out of bounds. Therefore, neither A4 or the ball were out of bounds. 23-2 On a try for goal, the ball hits the ring, bounces high, and passes over the backboard without touching the supports. The officials allow play to continue. Are the officials correct?. In order to be out of bounds, the ball must touch the basket supports or the back of the backboard. Page 19 of 40
23-3 A4 and B4 jump and simultaneously take control of a rebound. They both land with a firm grip on the ball with B4 having one foot out of bounds. The official calls a violation on B4 for being out of bounds. Is the official correct? No. This is a jump ball situation. ARTICLE 24 Dribbling 24-1 A4 is holding the ball when B3 taps the ball to the floor out of A4 s hands. B3 catches the ball with both hands and then begins to dribble. Is this action legal?. Tapping the ball out of an opponent's hands so that the ball hits the floor and catching it does not constitute a dribble. 24-2 A1 ends a dribble and releases the ball on a try for goal. The ball completely misses the ring and is not touched by anyone before A1 retrieves the ball and starts a dribble. Is the official correct in calling a violation? No. After ending a dribble, if a player loses control because of a shot for goal and then regains control of the ball, that player may dribble again. 24-3 On a fast break, A1 ends his dribble at the free throw line, throws the ball against the backboard, continues his movement toward the basket, jumps, catches it again before it is touched by another player and dunks the ball. Is this a legal play? No. Intentionally throwing the ball against the backboard and touching it before it is touched by another player constitutes a dribble. Since A1 had already dribbled, this is a double dribble violation. 24-4 A1 deflects a pass from B1 to B2. The ball hits the floor and A1 catches the ball. A1 then starts a dribble. Is this legal?. Deflecting a pass and gaining control of the ball is not a dribble. ARTICLE 25 Travelling 25-1 While airborne, A4 catches the ball, lands on one foot, jumps off that foot, lands on both feet, jumps again and releases a try for goal. Is this action legal?. When a player catches the ball with both feet off the floor and that player lands on one foot, then that foot becomes the pivot foot. If the player jumps off that foot and comes to a stop landing on both feet simultaneously, then neither foot is a pivot foot. However, that player may legally jump again and release the ball on a pass or a try for goal as long as he does so before returning to the floor with either foot or both feet. 25-2 A1 ends a dribble with one foot on the floor. Is that foot considered to be A1 s pivot foot? 25-3 A1 jumps to attempt a try for goal. B1 jumps and blocks A1 s attempt. A1 lands without having lost control of the ball. Is this a travelling violation by A1?. Page 20 of 40
25-4 Airborne A4 catches a pass, lands on one foot, jumps off that foot, and lands on both feet simultaneously. A4 then pivots. Has A4 committed a travelling violation?. When a player catches the ball with both feet off the floor and that player lands on one foot, then that foot becomes the pivot foot. If the player jumps off that foot and comes to a stop landing on both feet simultaneously, then neither foot is a pivot foot. 25-5 A4 ends a dribble with one foot on the floor. He jumps off that foot and lands with both feet simultaneously, but with the right foot in front of the left foot. A4 then slides his right foot back and brings it parallel to his left foot before releasing the ball on a try for goal. Is this a travelling violation? 25-6 While airborne, A4 catches a pass, lands on one foot, jumps off that foot, and lands on both feet simultaneously. He then jumps again and releases a pass to A3. Is this legal?. (See case 25-1) ARTICLE 26 Three seconds 26-1 Does the 3-second rule in the restricted area only apply when a team is in control in the frontcourt? 26-2 A3 has been in the restricted area for 2 seconds when A1 attempts a field goal. The try falls short of the basket. A3 gains control of the ball and immediately dribbles outside the restricted area. Has A3 committed a 3-second violation? No. When the ball was released by A1 in his attempt for a field goal, the control by Team A ended, thus the 3-second restriction. Team A gained a new control when A3 gained control of the ball after it missed the ring. A3 then quickly moved out of the restricted area. No violation. 26-3 A1 is dribbling in Team A s backcourt. A5 is standing in the restricted area under Team B s basket for more than 3 seconds. Is this a violation? No. (See case 26-1) 26-4 Barring any mistake by the timer, must the game clock be running in order for a 3-second violation to occur?. A player shall not remain in the opponents' restricted area for more than three (3) consecutive seconds while his team is in control of a live ball in the frontcourt and the game clock is running 26-5 During rebounding activity, while the ball is bouncing around the ring, Team A players are in the restricted area under team B's basket for more than 3 consecutive seconds in an attempt to tap the ball into the basket. Is this a violation? No. There is no team control when the ball is bouncing around the rim and players are trying to get the rebound or to tap the ball into the basket. Page 21 of 40
ARTICLE 27 Closely guarded player 27-1 A4 is holding the ball in Team A s backcourt while being closely guarded by B4. After 5 seconds have passed, the official calls a violation on Team A and awards the ball to Team B for a throw-in. Is the official correct? 27-2 A2 is holding the ball in the mid-court area and B2 is standing within 2 metres of A2, but is making no attempt to steal the ball or prevent a pass or the start of a dribble bya2. After 5 seconds, should the officials blow a violation? No. A player who is holding a live ball on the playing court is closely guarded when an opponent is in an active guarding position at a distance of no more than one metre. ARTICLE 28 Eight seconds 28-1 From the frontcourt, a pass from A5 to A3 is deflected into Team A s backcourt by B1. Shall an 8-second count start as soon as the ball touches the backcourt? No. The 8-second count will start when a team A player gains control of the ball in the backcourt. (See case 28-5) 28-2 Team A has control of the ball in its backcourt. A held ball is called.the possession arrow favours Team A. There is 3 seconds left in the 8-second count. When a Team A player touches the inbound pass in his backcourt, shall the official start a new 8-second count? No. Team A only has 3 seconds to cause the ball to go into their frontcourt. 28-3 With 6 seconds expired of the 8 seconds to advance the ball from his backcourt, A4, from his backcourt, deliberately bounces the ball off the leg of B4 who is in Team A s frontcourt. The ball bounces back to A4 who recovers the ball in his backcourt. Does A4 have a new 8 seconds to advance the ball to the frontcourt?. The ball achieved frontcourt status when it hit B4's leg. Team A now has a new 8-second count to cause the ball to go into their frontcourt. 28-4 A5 passes the ball from the backcourt to A4 who is straddling the centre line. Shall the official end the 8-second count? No. The ball has not gone into the frontcourt because A4 does not have both feet completely in the frontcourt. 28-5 A2 has control of the ball in Team A s frontcourt, when B4 taps the ball out of A2 s hands and the ball rolls into Team A s backcourt. Shall the 8-second count start as soon as any Team A player touches the ball? No. The 8-second count starts when a Team A player gains control of the ball in the backcourt. Only on a throw-in does the 8-second count starts as soon as the ball touches any player. (See case 28-1) 28-6 Team A executes a throw-in from the end line in their backcourt. With the ball still in Team A s backcourt, the official notices that the 24 second clock has not started. The official blows his whistle and resumes play at the nearest point out of bounds with a new 8 second count for Team A. Is the official correct? Page 22 of 40